Today's Gospel opens after a period of great activity and ominous events. Jesus was rejected at home, so he went to other places and sent his disciples to preach in his name. They came back successful, but burdened and frightened by the martyrdom of John the Baptist. It was time for Jesus and his friends to regroup and discern God's will for them.

Think about your life 20, 40, 50 or even 60 years ago. What were your plans? What did you envision for your future? What did you hope to be when you grew up? Did you achieve your hope, or are you doing something with your life that you never imagined?